Social Sciences

Public Administration Optional Syllabus for UPSC

The UPSC Public Administration optional is examined in two Mains papers of 250 marks each, 500 marks in total. Paper I has 7 topics and Paper II has 7 topics, listed below with their subtopics.

Public Administration Paper I syllabus

  1. 1. Introduction to PA

    • Meaning, scope, significance
    • Evolution of discipline
    • New Public Administration
  2. 2. Administrative Theories

    • Classical theory, Scientific management
    • Bureaucratic theory
    • Human relations, behavioral
  3. 3. Administrative Behavior

    • Decision-making, leadership
    • Communication, motivation
    • Administrative ethics
  4. 4. Accountability & Control

    • Legislative, executive control
    • Judicial review
    • Citizen's charters, RTI
  5. 5. Financial Administration

    • Budget, financial management
    • Accounts, audit
    • Fiscal federalism
  6. 6. Personnel Administration

    • Recruitment, training
    • Civil service reforms
    • Performance appraisal
  7. 7. Comparative PA

    • Comparative methods
    • Developing vs developed
    • Ecology of administration

Public Administration Paper II syllabus

  1. 1. Indian Administration: Evolution

    • Kautilya's Arthashastra
    • Mughal, British administration
    • Post-independence evolution
  2. 2. Union Government

    • President, PM, Cabinet
    • Central Secretariat
    • Ministries, departments
  3. 3. State Administration

    • Governor, CM, Council
    • State Secretariat
    • District administration
  4. 4. Local Government

    • 73rd & 74th amendments
    • Panchayati Raj
    • Urban local bodies
  5. 5. Civil Services

    • All India Services
    • State services
    • Civil service reforms
  6. 6. Public Policy

    • Policy formulation, implementation
    • E-governance
    • Development administration
  7. 7. Contemporary Issues

    • Administrative reforms
    • Good governance
    • Citizens & administration

Other Social Sciences optionals

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Follow Paper I and Paper II topic by topic, with revision counts — free.

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